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Tech Savvy Hackers, Drivers’ Negligence Add to Projected Rise in Auto Thefts

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If you’re not worried about your car getting stolen, you’re not alone. Not thinking about your car getting swiped seems to be a common mindset among American car owners, according to Insurance Information Institute Writer Maria Sassian.

Sassian reports that more than half of American drivers “rarely or never worry that their car will be stolen.” Although this is a freeing way to live – everyone has enough to worry about already – it can also lead to thoughtlessness, like leaving fobs or keys in your car, which makes your car an easy target for thieves.

But being thoughtful and a smart, conscientious car owner won’t protect your vehicle 100 percent from being stolen, because thieves are a crafty bunch.

“Thieves are also constantly devising new and sophisticated means of stealing autos,” writes Sassian. “Tactics include acquiring smart keys, switching vehicle identification numbers; and using stolen identities to secure loans for expensive vehicles.”

With cars constantly evolving on the technological plane, thieves are adapting even more.

“Thieves also now have access to devices which search for signals from nearby wireless key fobs and use that signal to unlock and start cars,” Sassian reports.

But there is hope against these sophisticated hackers; according to Sassian, you can obtain a pouch or box “for key fobs especially designed to block radio transmissions.”

Even if thieves are getting sneakier, you can thwart their advances a bit by being a thoughtful car owner; lock your car when you exit; don’t leave your keys or fob inside your unlocked vehicle; hide valuables out of sight; and park smart.

“Wherever you park your car, do your best to find somewhere that’s well lit. If you have the option to park under a street lamp, do so, even during the day — if your car’s left there longer than you’re expecting, it’ll be lit when darkness falls,” advises The Telegraph Writer Alex Robbins.

News Source: Insurance Information Institute, The Telegraph